Bromley Coun
cil is negotiations to merge its library service with neighbouring Bexley. The move could safeguard Chislehurst Library’s future.
The two authorities have already held discussions about combining functions such as head offices, IT and deliveries which could save Bromley up to £550,000 a year. The plan will be put 
forward as a preferred option at a council committee meeting on 15 February.
In an encouraging sign, none of the options explicitly recommend the closure of Chislehurst Library which is classed as a “neighbourhood” facility. However, the paper warns that a merger of Bromley and Bexley library services could result in some closures.
The libraries listed as being potentially at risk are smaller “community” facilities at Anerley, Burnt Ash, Hayes, Mottingham, Penge, Shortlands, Southborough and St Paul’s Cray.
Another more radical option under consideration is to sell off all community libraries and use the £2.6m raised to convert the remaining sites into “super libraries” with an expanded range of services.
Bromley Council is expected to make a final decision on the fate of the borough’s libraries on 12 April.
Chislehurst residents have expressed strong support for their library through this this site. ChislehurstNews has passed all comments to the council for consideration at the meeting later this month.
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BROMLEY MULLS LIBRARY MERGER WITH BEXLEY
Bromley Coun
cil is negotiations to merge its library service with neighbouring Bexley. The move could safeguard Chislehurst Library’s future.
The two authorities have already held discussions about combining functions such as head offices, IT and deliveries which could save Bromley up to £550,000 a year. The plan will be put
forward as a preferred option at a council committee meeting on 15 February.
In an encouraging sign, none of the options explicitly recommend the closure of Chislehurst Library which is classed as a “neighbourhood” facility. However, the paper warns that a merger of Bromley and Bexley library services could result in some closures.
The libraries listed as being potentially at risk are smaller “community” facilities at Anerley, Burnt Ash, Hayes, Mottingham, Penge, Shortlands, Southborough and St Paul’s Cray.
Another more radical option under consideration is to sell off all community libraries and use the £2.6m raised to convert the remaining sites into “super libraries” with an expanded range of services.
Bromley Council is expected to make a final decision on the fate of the borough’s libraries on 12 April.
Chislehurst residents have expressed strong support for their library through this this site. ChislehurstNews has passed all comments to the council for consideration at the meeting later this month.
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